14 Best Hikes in Vancouver for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Vancouver, British Columbia is well-known for its outdoor activities! Located on the west coast of Canada and surrounded by mountains, forests, and the ocean, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in Vancouver.

For those visiting Vancouver, exploring its stunning natural beauty is essential. Whether you prefer to take a train or go on a road trip, there are many ways to dive into adventure. However, getting active with an outdoor adventure is the ultimate experience!

Best Hikes in Vancouver

Hiking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature, and experiencing the hiking trails in this region of Canada is truly captivating.

All the hiking trails on this list are situated in the Metro Vancouver Region – including Vancouver, North Vancouver, and surrounding municipalities. These trails are easily accessible from downtown Vancouver, perfect for a half or full-day excursion. Here’s a brief overview of some of the best hikes in Vancouver for your next outdoor day.

Top Vancouver Hikes

When you speak to any local about their favorite hobbies, hiking will undoubtedly be included! For good reason, as there are incredible hiking trails in Vancouver. The best hikes in Vancouver are all worth exploring. Simply get outside and enjoy the scenery – it’s a fantastic way to discover a new city and an ideal addition to your Vancouver itinerary.

1. Pacific Spirit Park Hiking Trails

Pacific Spirit Regional Park, located near the University of British Columbia (UBC), offers an expansive 750-hectare (1850 acres) park with a network of trails. While some may argue it’s more of a walk than a hike, it’s definitely worth exploring! The park features countless trail options to experience.

You can meander through the trails and maybe get a little (pleasantly) lost, or opt for the 10 km hiking trail that begins at the trailhead on 16th Avenue. Enter the park, check out the signboard, and embark on the Clinton Trail, which connects to the Salish Trail, a beautiful stretch of forest bordering an ecological reserve!

• Distance: 10 km roundtrip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Trailhead: 16th Avenue, next to Camosun Park

2. Foreshore Trail

The Foreshore Trail, also starting in Pacific Spirit Park, offers picturesque coastline views. This trail encapsulates the best of what Vancouver hikes offer – forest, beach, and ocean scenery!

Moreover, the trail travels through Wreck Beach, which is Vancouver’s only clothing-optional beach. If that’s not what you’re looking for, you might prefer another option. There are, however, numerous stunning beaches along this route, making it perfect for a picnic or a refreshing swim.

A note of caution: This trail can be tricky during high tide, as some sections have been eroded. Therefore, the best time to go is at low tide for easy beach walking!

• Distance: 5km one way
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 40 meters
• Trailhead: Acadia Beach parking lot
• Tip: Bring your beach clothes to relax at Acadia Beach post-hike!

North Vancouver Hikes

3. Quarry Rock, Deep Cove

Quarry Rock is an iconic Vancouver hike that entices many tourists visiting Canada. Nestled in the charming township of Deep Cove in North Vancouver, it’s a perfect spot for a post-hike drink or a donut from the renowned Honey’s Donuts!

This moderate hike traverses beautiful west coast forest trails, crossing bridges, rivers, and waterfalls – the sights along the way are stunning. The highlight, however, is the breathtaking view at the end! Be sure to bring your camera since the shot from Quarry Rock overlooks the Indian Arm, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean.

• Distance: 3.8 km round trip
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 100m
• Trailhead: Deep Cove town – with public parking available in town; walk along Panorama Drive to find the trailhead signs
• Tip: Parking can be difficult to find; try to go early in the day or during weekdays!

4. Norvan Falls Hiking Trail

This classic west coast hike leads to Norvan Falls, situated in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, part of the Baden Powell Trail network. The journey begins by crossing the Lynn Creek Bridge and immersing yourself in a dense forest as you hike over rocks and roots, ultimately arriving at a stunning waterfall! This low-elevation hike is suitable for year-round adventures.

• Distance: 14km round trip
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Elevation Gain: 195m
• Trailhead: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
• Tip: Wear good shoes, as the trail is rocky with many tripping hazards from roots!

5. Capilano Canyon Loop

This short day hike meanders through the North Shore forest surrounding Capilano Park. While the area is primarily known for the Capilano Suspension Bridge, there are also several beautiful hiking trails to explore. Start at Cleveland Dam, which offers stunning reservoir views, before continuing left to find the trailhead and signs for Shinglebolt Trail.

• Distance: 2.6 km round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 100m
• Trailhead: Cleveland Dam parking lot

6. Grouse Grind, Grouse Mountain

The infamous Grouse Grind is a favored trail for those seeking a challenge. Often referred to as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster, the trail ascends directly up Grouse Mountain, totaling 2,830 steps!

The route is easy to follow, with signs from the parking area directing you to the trailhead. You’ll climb stairs right from the start, maintaining the ascent until reaching the top. Once there, relish the epic views and take a well-deserved break!

Additionally, Grouse Mountain is a popular tourist spot, often included in plans when visiting the city or embarking on a longer Sea to Sky Highway road trip. During summer, you can enjoy nature talks, visit resident bears, or grab refreshments at the café and restaurant.

To return, take the gondola down the mountain, enjoying the spectacular views during the ride! The Grouse Grind is indeed a quintessential hike in Vancouver – good luck!

• Distance: 2.9 km (one way – gondola ride down)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 853m
• Trailhead: Grouse Mountain parking lot

7. St. Mark’s Summit

If you’re seeking spectacular views, St. Mark’s Summit offers a memorable experience! This trail is part of the longer Howe Sound Crest Trail, beginning at Cypress Mountain, another ski resort in the area. Start your hike from the main recreational area at Cypress near the chairlift base, where the markers guide your way.

The final stretch of the trail is steep, but the breathtaking view from St. Mark’s is what makes it worthwhile, showcasing the Lions mountain range, Howe Sound, and Horseshoe Bay! Don’t forget to bring a snack for a refreshing break at the summit while you take in the views.

• Distance: 11km round trip
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Elevation Gain: 460m
• Trailhead: Cypress Mountain parking lot (at the top of the mountain)

8. Dog Mountain, Mount Seymour

This popular trail in North Vancouver is great for hiking during summer and snowshoeing in winter. Located on Seymour Mountain, a favorite for skiing and snowboarding, Dog Mountain trail is well-maintained and marked.

This moderate trail attracts families hiking with children and leashed dogs. The route features rolling elevations with great views of lakes, creeks, and forests. At Dog Mountain’s summit, you’ll be treated to views of Vancouver, the bay area, and surrounding mountains. It’s also an excellent choice for a sunset hike!

• Distance: 5.6km round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 165m
• Trailhead: Mount Seymour parking lot (at the top of the mountain)

9. Sea to Summit

This hike, located in Squamish, BC, is a little outside Vancouver and can be accessed via the scenic Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, one of the most Beautiful Places in Canada! This trail makes for an excellent day trip, allowing for exploration along the way and a chance to enjoy the stunning drive.

Moreover, Squamish boasts a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, complete with cozy cafes and shops. Plan for a day visit, or extend your trip with a few days in Whistler, as it offers a wide array of activities! The Sea to Summit Trail starts at the Shannon Falls parking area, where a steep incline of stairs leads to leveled sections offering fantastic views of Shannon Falls. At the summit, expect panoramic views over Squamish and Howe Sound, with gondola access for your descent!

• Distance: 16.4 km (one way – gondola ride back down)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 935m
• Trailhead: Shannon Falls parking lot (follow Upper Shannon Falls trail to connect to Sea to Summit) or Sea to Summit gondola lot (follow Stawamus Chief trail to connect to Sea to Summit)
• Tip: Arrive early to secure parking, as these areas can get crowded!

Other Metro Vancouver Area Hikes

10. Velodrome Trail, Burnaby Mountain

This urban trail takes you to the top of Burnaby Mountain, home to Simon Fraser University. Start your trek at the Burnaby Velodrome, a sports complex located at the base of the mountain, where a steep 500-step climb awaits.

The trail connects with the Pandora Trail, making it easy to explore and enjoy the views over Indian Arm and Burrard Inlet from an observation point. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue to the Simon Fraser University campus to discover food and coffee options for recharging before heading back down.

• Distance: 3km round trip
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Elevation Gain: 240m
• Trailhead: Burnaby Velodrome parking lot

11. Sandero Diez Vistas

Translating to “ten views,” Diez Vistas promises a rewarding hiking experience! Situated just outside Port Moody, the scenic Buntzen Lake area offers a remarkable park for exploration.

The Sandero Diez Vistas trail leads to stunning viewpoints overlooking Indian Arm before winding back around picturesque Buntzen Lake. Given its length, consider a refreshing swim in the lake afterward – it’s cold but incredibly invigorating!

• Distance: 15km round trip
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Elevation Gain: 460m
• Trailhead: Buntzen Lake recreation area

12. High Knoll

This hike is known for its excellent hike-to-view ratio. Though it’s a relatively quick journey with minimal elevation gain, the view from the summit is breathtaking! Given its location outside of Vancouver, it tends to be less crowded than other popular trails.

High Knoll is nestled within Minnekhada Park in Port Coquitlam, a community on Vancouver’s outskirts. The park is popular for walking, hiking, and biking due to its varied exploration areas. Follow the well-marked trail through forested and marshy sections, ascending gradually to the viewpoint, where sweeping views of the Fraser River await.

• Distance: 10km round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 180m
• Trailhead: Quarry Road parking lot in Minnekhada Park

13. Jug Island

The Jug Island Trail is straightforward, well-marked, and easy to conquer. Located in Belcarra Regional Park, known for picnics and barbecues, it provides a beautiful setting to unwind post-hike. The trail leads directly through this picturesque park and ends on a tranquil beach at Indian Arm, offering views of the charming Jug Island.

• Distance: 5.5km round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 100m
• Trailhead: Belcarra Park parking lot

14. Mount Cheam

This formidable hike takes you to the Fraser Valley region, not technically part of the Metro Vancouver Region but too remarkable not to include. Mount Cheam offers a challenging trek with stunning panoramic views of surrounding mountain peaks, Fraser River, and Mount Baker in the United States. This hike is ideal for those seeking a challenge after soaring through the more popular North Vancouver trails.

Accessing the Mount Cheam trailhead requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle due to the forest service road. As you hike through beautiful meadows and tackle a series of switchbacks and steep ascents, the effort will reward you with breathtaking views along the way and from the summit!

• Distance: 9.5km round trip
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 700m
• Trailhead: Parking area at the top of Chipmunk Creek Forest Service Road

These are some of the best hikes in Vancouver and its surrounding areas. Hiking is an exceptional activity to undertake when visiting a new city or area, and Vancouver offers an abundance of fantastic options!

Whether you’re seeking an easy stroll or a real challenge, the diversity in hiking experiences here guarantees that there’s an adventure waiting for you. Embrace the great outdoors, stay active, and explore the magnificent hikes Vancouver has to offer!

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